Locals thankful for MLK Day

OAK HILL – As the nation prepares to celebrate the birthday of an American hero, many folks in Southern West Virginia say they're thankful for his sacrifice.

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. King was a pioneer of the civil rights movement in the 1960's and was noted for his non-violent activism in racial equality.

His most famous work, the “I Have A Dream” speech was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, paving the way forward in the civil rights movement.

Locals say Dr. King was a guiding light in making the world a better place. But others are just glad to have the day off.

Charles Miller is the Pater at Oak Hill United Methodist, and he says he tries every day to carry on Dr. King’s message.

“I've been serving as a pastor for 30 years. I hope that I can make a fraction of the difference to make the world a better place. For oppressed and hurting people and overcome some injustice that's still here today.”

Grant Ellifritz is in the 5th grade at Collins Middle School, and he’s just glad to have the opportunity to sleep in.

“(I’m going to) lay in bed and watch TV.”

Shortly after his assassination in 1968 the demand for a nationally recognized holiday began, but it wasn’t until 1983 when President Ronald Reagan signed MLK Day into law.